“This country, since its inception, has struggled to overcome discrimination of all forms: racism, sexism, xenophobia and homophobia.”

“Over the years we have made progress in becoming a less discriminatory and more tolerant society – and we are not going backward. The appointment by President-elect Trump of a racist individual like Mr. Bannon to a position of authority is totally unacceptable,” he added.

Moreover, he said that in a democratic society we can disagree all we want over issues, but racism and bigotry cannot be part of any public policy. The appointment of Mr. Bannon by Mr. Trump must be rescinded,” he concluded.